Skip to content
NOWCAST Pittsburgh's Action News 4 at 5pm
Live Now
Advertisement

Pine-Richland makes statement regarding football coach

Pine-Richland makes statement regarding football coach
the increased traffic on social and other media platforms perpetuates untruth and half truths which are a threat to the district, the students, the staff and administration. This behavior is the reason for this message now, as additional information is provided to our community into specific allegations of inappropriate student conduct and a broader allegation affected with dozens of students, coaches and parents, including an in depth interview with coach gasparovic. In the investigation, the district followed established policies, practices and procedures. The district has a fundamental responsibility to ensure the health, safety and welfare of students and staff. All right. Uh huh. The district's legal counsel was consulted throughout this process. Yeah. At the investigation's conclusion, neither the administration nor any member of the nine member school board could recommend extending a supplemental contract To coach Gasparovic for the 2021 2022 football. The decision to offer coach Gasparovic a 21 22 supplemental contract was based on the following number one Findings from the three Month investigation. Mhm Number two documented football program related events over tenure with right end. Number three. The interview itself with Coach gasparovic, which was critical. Mhm Coach gasparovic received a letter outlining the findings and recommendation for non renewal with an opportunity to respond. Mhm. The letter can be shared by coach gasparovic. Mhm. Any statement indicating that no reason was given for the district's actions is categorically false. Mhm. The district is aware of and acknowledges the successful winning record of the program and its importance to many student athletes and their families. We are saddened by what we see happening in the community as a result of perpetuated misinformation. Yeah, we understand the community's desire for full transparency and have made a consistent effort to balance that against the legal duty that the district has to preserve the confidentiality of personnel information. The district will continue to move forward with decisions and actions that align to the mission vision and values. The district will continue to release additional specific communications regarding this matter. Mhm. All messages will be archived on the Pine Richland School District website. Thank you. Tell us what can happen.
Advertisement
Pine-Richland makes statement regarding football coach
The Pine-Richland School District made a public statement on Tuesday regarding Eric Kasperowicz, the former football coach at Pine-Richland High School.Watch the statement in the video player above. “The increased traffic on social and other media platforms perpetuates untruths and half-truths which are a threat to the district, the students, the staff and administration. This behavior is the reason for this message now,” Pine-Richland School Board President Peter Lyons said. Lyons said the decision not to renew the contracts of the coaching staff came after a three-month investigation into specific allegations of inappropriate student conduct and a broader allegation of misconduct within the football program, including, but not limited to hazing, bullying, intimidation, and rites of passage.Lyons said that during the investigation, teachers, students, coaches and parents were interviewed, including Kasperowicz. At the end of the investigation, Lyons said neither the administration nor any member of the nine-member school board could recommend extending a supplemental contract to Kasperowicz for the 2021-22 football season.“Coach Kasperowicz received a letter outlining the findings and recommendation for non-renewal with an opportunity to respond. The letter can be shared by coach Kasperowicz. Any statement indicating that no reason was given for the district’s actions is categorically false,” Lyons said.The school board is not renewing Kasperowicz's contract, and the district has opened the football coaching position.Kasperowicz led Pine-Richland to seven WPIAL championships, and the Rams won the PIAA state title last season.Students held a rally outside the high school to show support for Kasperowicz last week.

The Pine-Richland School District made a public statement on Tuesday regarding Eric Kasperowicz, the former football coach at Pine-Richland High School.

Watch the statement in the video player above.

Advertisement

“The increased traffic on social and other media platforms perpetuates untruths and half-truths which are a threat to the district, the students, the staff and administration. This behavior is the reason for this message now,” Pine-Richland School Board President Peter Lyons said.

Lyons said the decision not to renew the contracts of the coaching staff came after a three-month investigation into specific allegations of inappropriate student conduct and a broader allegation of misconduct within the football program, including, but not limited to hazing, bullying, intimidation, and rites of passage.

Lyons said that during the investigation, teachers, students, coaches and parents were interviewed, including Kasperowicz.

At the end of the investigation, Lyons said neither the administration nor any member of the nine-member school board could recommend extending a supplemental contract to Kasperowicz for the 2021-22 football season.

“Coach Kasperowicz received a letter outlining the findings and recommendation for non-renewal with an opportunity to respond. The letter can be shared by coach Kasperowicz. Any statement indicating that no reason was given for the district’s actions is categorically false,” Lyons said.

The school board is not renewing Kasperowicz's contract, and the district has opened the football coaching position.

Kasperowicz led Pine-Richland to seven WPIAL championships, and the Rams won the PIAA state title last season.

Students held a rally outside the high school to show support for Kasperowicz last week.